Research (directory/vacancies)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and independent Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our growing research in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge.

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinning genome assembly, viral replication, and evolution in RNA viruses with segmented genomes, with the ultimate goal of informing the development of antiviral strategies.

The successful candidate will participate in an exciting project funded by a Wellcome Discovery Award, which explores the roles of RNA structure, dynamics, and biomolecular condensates in viral life cycles.

Key Responsibilities will include:

1) Applying reverse genetics system to generate recombinant rotaviruses, and explore the functional consequences of mutations in key viral proteins that drive phase separation.

2) Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate experimental data with computational approaches, including machine-learning tools, to investigate evolutionary conservation and phase separation phenomena.

3) Contribute to various research group activities, writing manuscripts, presenting at group meetings.

The PDRA is expected to carry out independent research on a day-to-day basis and develop new approaches under the guidance of an academic supervisor. In addition, cooperation with other lab members and assistance with the training of students within the research group is required.

Team work and clear communication are essential.

More information on the role is available on the Further Particulars attached.

Fixed-term: this is a short-term project with the funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.

Applications closing dates 13th of February 2025.

Please quote reference NQ44913 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

A position is open for a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Assistant as part of a recently established Sustainable Chemicals & Materials Manufacturing Hub (SCHEMA) funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences research council (EPSRC) (https://schemahub.ac.uk/hub).

The post-holder will join an exciting research and industrial community within the SCHEMA Hub, becoming a member of the Catalysis and Process Integration group led by Prof Laura Torrente (www.capi.ceb.cam.ac.uk).

The overall aim of the project is to accelerate the development of novel manufacturing routes for sustainable polymers by revealing kinetic and mechanistic understanding of polymerisation chemistries using flow systems to guide the design of efficient, tailored manufacturing routes.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in reaction engineering and inorganic chemistry, including a PhD in a relevant area. Experience in polymerization chemistries would be advantageous.

The ability to work both as part of a team and independently, coupled with excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills are required. The duties / responsibilities of this post include developing and driving research objectives, writing up work for presentation and publication, collaborating with academic and industrial partners, assisting in the supervision of student research projects, and delivering seminars and occasional talks as outlined on the Further Information document.

Applicants should provide a CV, including contact details of three referees and a covering letter describing their suitability for the role. For further information contact Prof Laura Torrente (lt416@cam.ac.uk)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.

Applications closing dates 24th of February 2025.

Please quote reference NQ44838 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

We are seeking a highly organized, motivated, and enthusiastic Research Assistant to join our dynamic and collaborative research team in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research on the molecular biology of RNA viruses, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying genome assembly, viral replication, and biomolecular condensates.

The successful candidate will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and international collaborators, to support groundbreaking studies aimed at understanding rotavirus biology and evolution.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Providing technical and organizational support to research projects, including assisting with experiments related to RNA biology, molecular cloning, cell culture, microscopy.
• Preparing and maintaining stocks of reagents, consumables, and cell lines.
• Overseeing general lab operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Coordinating with team members to ensure smooth day-to-day lab operations and facilitating collaborative research activities.
• Keeping accurate records of lab resources, experimental workflows, and results to support the

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about science and eager to support transformative research in RNA virus biology. Whether you are an experienced lab technician or a recent graduate looking to gain hands-on research experience, we encourage you to apply.

A flexible start date is available, but we are seeking to fill the position as soon as possible.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have questions on the application process, please email Mrs Alessandra Uomo, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications is 23rd February 2025.

Interviews are likely to be held soon after the closing date.

Please quote reference NQ44609 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and independent Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our growing research in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinning genome assembly, viral replication, and evolution in RNA viruses with segmented genomes, with the ultimate goal of informing the development of antiviral strategies.

The successful candidate will participate in an exciting project funded by a Wellcome Discovery Award, which explores the roles of RNA structure, dynamics, and biomolecular condensates in viral life cycles. Our work seeks to revolutionise the understanding of how multi-segmented RNA viruses, such as RVs, selectively package their distinct RNA segments, form phase-separated replication factories, and evolve through reassortment.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Virological characterisation of novel recombinant rotaviruses generated via reverse genetics approaches. These will include classical virological methods (growth kinetics, virus isolation and purification, negative stain electron microscopy and light microscopy).

• Applying RNA-focused methods such as RNA sequencing, including RNA-Seq data analyses (Oxford nanopore and Illumina-based sequencing) pipelines.

• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate experimental data with computational approaches, including machine-learning tools, to investigate the impact of RNA structural and RNA genome changes on viral replication and genome stability.

• Contribute to various research group activities, writing manuscripts, presenting at group meetings, national and international conferences.

The PDRA is expected to carry out independent research on a day-to-day basis and develop new approaches under the guidance of an academic supervisor. In addition, cooperation with other lab members and assistance with the training of students within the research group is required. Teamwork and clear communication are essential.

More information on the role is available on the Further Particulars attached.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.

Applications closing dates 23rd of February 2025.

Please quote reference NQ44700 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.